Purdue-Based Software to Help NASA Engineers
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowAn engineering software provider that got its start at Purdue University has received a $125,000 grant from NASA to help the company further develop its SwiftComp software. The technology, developed by AnalySwift LLC, helps engineers and designers analyze a variety of 1D, 2D and 3D structures made of high-strain composites.
“NASA is going to be able to use the software as it designs devices and structures to help achieve success in space exploration, including deployable structures and living vessels used in a space environment,” said AnalySwift President and Chief Executive Officer Allan Wood.
Wood said the software would help NASA engineers model equipment made from two or more different materials that when combined are stronger, lighter or more temperature-resistant than individual materials by themselves.
AnalySwift says NASA could leverage the software for structures such as living vessels, foldable panels, transportation rovers and reflectors for space research.
Back on earth, other applications include highly flexible wings for future aircraft and highly fatigue- and damage-tolerant structures for revolutionary vertical lift aircraft.
“The software reduces analysis time from hours to minutes,” Wood said. “SwiftComp takes details of the fundamental building block of materials and structures as input, then outputs the structural properties needed for macroscopic analysis.
The software also has been licensed to companies and universities worldwide, including those using it for work on satellites and mobile phone components, including printed circuit boards.
The company licensed the technology from the Purdue Research Foundation.